News for hackers. Stuff that matters.
Re:Science Fairs Aren't So Fair by zo1 on Sunday March 15, 2015 @07:40PM (#9208746)
"It's just one more example of the perpetuation of wealth across generations."

You say that as if it's a bad thing. The thing you seem to be complaining about is one of the wonderful things about parenting. I.e. to impart/share/teach/give what you have accumulated over your life. Whether that is something physical, or intangible such as knowledge, makes no difference.

Re:Science Fairs Aren't So Fair by superqd on Sunday March 15, 2015 @09:59PM (#9209295)
I agree with this. I struggled at first (with my daughter's performance in a recent science fair), but realized that my experience was a gift I could give to her in the form of a better-than-average ability to explain seemingly complicated ideas to an 8 year old. And to provide somewhat expert guidance on the scientific method itself.

To a certain extent, this happens in many other ways at schools as well. I mean, those kids with very athletic, or sports oriented, parents, may be more driven or have better guidance in athletic endeavors that would my kids. But we seem not to care about that (until the parents are screaming during a game).

And likewise with music, or art, and so on. So I think I've decided not to get too concerned about how others might view my daughter's work on her project. It would be unfair (to her) if I decided not to give her explanations that were the benefit of my own experience.

Re:Science Fairs Aren't So Fair by nhaehnle on Monday March 16, 2015 @03:34AM (#9210262)
Your comment only contains a very individualistic perspective. Sure, it's a great experience to share some of what you have accumulated over your life, for you personally and for your children.

That doesn't mean that it's a purely good thing for society. It is the societal perspective that timr most likely had in mind.

Re:Science Fairs Aren't So Fair by onion2k on Monday March 16, 2015 @06:19AM (#9210670)
The question is where that line is drawn. Is it really reasonable to hinder the progression of society to maintain your and your children's enjoyment of being in the elite?

A thought experiment: If Bill Gates decided to recruit the top 10,000 maths teachers in the world and shutter them away in a warehouse to perfect the ideal maths lessons solely for his children, would just be "one of the wonderful things about parenting"?